Love at First Service: Why Regular Maintenance is the Key to Happy Appliances

Protect your investment and avoid surprise repair bills. Here’s why routine maintenance is the smartest way to keep your appliances happy and healthy.

Your appliances are the heart of your home, working tirelessly day in and day out. From keeping your food fresh to making sure your clothes come out clean and dry, these machines are essential to your everyday routine. But just like any long-term relationship, they need care and attention to stay in top shape. Regular maintenance is the key to ensuring your appliances stay happy, healthy, and running smoothly for years to come.

The Benefits of Routine Maintenance

Neglecting maintenance can lead to breakdowns, costly repairs, and even the premature replacement of expensive appliances. Here are five reasons why giving your appliances a little TLC is the smartest investment you can make:

Extend Their Lifespan – Regular check ups can help keep small issues from turning into major failures. This allows your appliances to continue running efficiently for years.

Save Money on Repairs – catching problems while they're small means you avoid hefty repair bills, or having to do a full replacement.

Improve Energy Efficiency – appliances that are well cared for use less energy which keeps your utility bills low.

Ensure Safety – Appliances that are faulty pose serious risks. Dangers can range from electrical fires to gas leaks to flooding. Regular inspections help keep your home safe.

Prevent Surprise Breakdowns – None of us want to deal with a broken refrigerator in the middle of summer or a washer that won't drain in winter. Scheduled maintenance keep things running smoothly year-round.

What Regular Maintenance Looks Like

Many homeowners, prior to having something break for the first time, think that maintenance and repair are the same thing. In fact there's a key difference between the two. Maintenance is about preventing problems. Like regular talking to a partner to avoid a fight, you check in and clean to keep your appliances running smoothly. Repairs are after something has broken. Or to continue our previous analogy after you've already had a major fight. By staying on top of maintenance, you can avoid expensive repairs and keep your relationship running strong for years to come.

Every appliance in your home has specific maintenance needs. A professional service check can ensure that everything stays in top condition. Here are a few things that a maintenance visit might include: 

Refrigerator Love

Give your refrigerator some love by doing these three tasks. 

Clean the condenser coils to ensure efficient cooling. Getting clogged with dust is all too easy given most refrigerators are pressed close to a wall. 

Check and replace water and air filters as needed. (We suggest every 4-6 months for the water filter and at least once a year for the air filters.) 

Courtesy of RDNE

Inspect door seals to prevent cold air leaks. This one should be on your quarterly list, this way your food stays fresh for longer. 

Dishwasher Care

Given many of us use our dishwasher on a daily basis, they need regular love. These three tasks can be done once a month to keep it in top shape. 

Clean filters and spray arms for optimal performance. Using a diluted solution of vinegar with a soft toothbrush, helps to keep it clean.

Check seals and drainage to prevent leaks. 

Run a deep-cleaning cycle to eliminate buildup.

Laundry Room TLC

Your washer and dryer both need tlc on a regular basis, to keep them functioning and to keep your home safe. 

Inspect washing machine hoses for leaks or damage.

Clean dryer vents to prevent fire hazards.

Ensure proper drainage and spin cycle efficiency. 

Oven & Stove Check-Up

These three tasks are easy to do and give your range some much-needed love. 

Test temperature accuracy for even cooking. A digital thermometer is the best way to handle this one, but a technician can help if you don’t have one. 

Inspect your gas lines and igniters for safety. 

Ensure that the fans and door seals are working properly.

Courtesy of Liliana Drew

Make Maintenance a Habit

The best way to avoid major appliance troubles is to schedule routine maintenance. While every six months is great, a simple annual check-up can make all the difference in keeping your appliances running smoothly. Whether it’s your refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, or dryer, showing your appliances a little love today means fewer headaches tomorrow.

At Appliance Rescue Service, our skilled technicians are ready to help you protect your investment. Give us a call to schedule your maintenance check and keep your home running effortlessly. We’ll work with you to find a date and time that fit your schedule best. After all, a happy appliance means a happy home. 

Website

Call  (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading
Don't Let Your Dryer Become a Fire Hazard 

Stay Cozy This Winter: Key Chores for Your Home

Fact Check: Common Appliance Maintenance Beliefs Debunked

2025 Home Design Trends: Stay Ahead of the Curve

Minimalism, Multifunctionality, and More—Trends to Watch

It's the beginning of another year, and once again we have predictions about the trends that are to come. Now these are not just our ideas but also those from people around the web. We have searched high and low to see what designers think are going to be the next great trends for decorating your home.

Minimalism - More and more designers are saying that the appliances of the kitchen will fade into the background. Instead of being able to see your appliances as separate parts within your kitchen everything will fade together. With the rising prevalence of panels intended to cover your appliances, soon there won't be a difference between your cabinets, your walls and the appliances within your kitchen. Kitchen handles are also vanishing into the appliances either by becoming recessed and less obvious in the design, or by being removed entirely. Finally appliance garages are expected to become even more popular this year. People are finding it useful to have a drawer or cabinet that they can put their small appliances into when not in use. 

Courtesy of Samsung

Multifunctional - More appliance manufacturers, like GE, Meile and LG are combining what their appliances can do. Making ovens that also include air fryer features, or dishwashers that can do more than one load at once are examples of this. Some others we’ve seen in previous years, are washer/dryer all in ones, and steam ovens that are capable of steam cooking, baking, roasting and menu cooking, without allowing flavor transfer.  

Courtesy of Moen

Smart Sinks - Smart sinks are becoming a thing this year. They are expected to be controlled by voice and hand gesture. So that you'll be able to say bottle 98° and get an exact amount of water that is the perfect temperature for making a baby bottle. You can also wave your hands to one side or the other to turn on the hot or cold water. We aren't certain yet how many manufacturers will make the jump to this but we do expect to see more availability this year. A brand to check out is Moen’s Smart Faucet.

Sustainability and Energy Usage - These are going to become even more of a talking point for new appliances this year. People are becoming more and more aware of and concerned about not just how much energy their appliances are using, but how they were made. Expect to see this raised as part of marketing during the year ahead. 

Color - Wanting color in your kitchen is nothing new, although small appliances are increasingly getting in on the action. What is more interesting to look out for is that it’s not just major designers, manufacturers, and celebrities who are affecting the choices; it's also social media influencers and their communities. An example of this is how pastel green is soaring in searches this early in the year, when the ‘Colors of the Year’ from Pantone and others are not even close to that.  

Smaller Major Appliances - For those living on their own, or just in smaller homes, smaller appliances are becoming more common! Now, we’re not talking about your coffee pot or an instant pot. No, we mean that major appliance makers are starting to offer their units in smaller dimensions, with equivalent power to their lager siblings.

Courtesy of Rangemaster

Induction is in Demand - last year we talked a bit about induction stoves and how they were starting to really gain traction. They have officially hit the point where everyone is talking about them, and everyone wants them. You’re going to be see many more options for induction stoves starting this year, and that’s going to trickle down to other things like technology, cleaners and dishes that will work with them.  

Stainless Steel is heading out - While it still hasn’t left the scene completely, stainless steel is no longer in the spotlight when it comes to appliances. Many brands are looking for alternatives, including several which are now offering matte black appliances.

Bold cabinets- -More people are getting bored with basic builder grade cabinetry. And this year we are going to see more and more people painting and covering their cabinets. We're expecting to see more examples of how to apply contact paper and peel and stick paint in the year ahead.

As you explore the trends shaping the way we live and design our homes, remember that staying ahead of the curve doesn’t have to mean overhauling everything. Sometimes, it’s about blending the new with the tried and true to create a space that feels uniquely yours. Whether you're upgrading to sleek, hidden appliances or choosing to embrace bold, personalized cabinetry, the goal is always a home that works for you. And when it comes to ensuring your appliances can keep up with these changes, our team at Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. From maintenance to repairs, we’re your partners in keeping your home running smoothly as it evolves with the times.

Additional Reading

Minimize Waste, Maximize Sustainability: The Case for Appliance Repair

Common Appliance Issues That Could Ruin Your Holiday – And How to Prevent Them

Bright Ideas: The Dos and Don'ts of Smart Lighting in Your Home

Decoding Kitchen Ranges: Navigating Options for Your Culinary Haven

From Convection to Trivection: Unveiling Features, Sizing, and Efficiency

Starting out on the journey to find the perfect range for your kitchen involves unraveling a world of options beyond the familiar gas and electric choices. As the heart of culinary creativity, your range deserves thoughtful consideration, blending functionality with innovation. Join us as we delve into the realm of kitchen ranges, exploring a spectrum of features, sizes, and efficiency considerations to elevate your cooking experience.

Fuel options

Thor dual fuel range with a gas stovetop and an electric convection based oven.

Everyone knows about gas and electric ranges. A gas stove will work even if it is in the middle of a power failure, but an electric stove is much easier to get hold of. Gas ovens are more efficient in how they use energy, while electric ranges, since they are the most common on the market, tend to be the go-to for new houses. However, there are a few types that people don't commonly know about.

Convection ovens f

These are typically found in more high-end lines. They reduce cooking times by cycling hot air around your oven using one or more fans. Sometimes, an electric oven will have an additional convection element, but a strictly convection oven is not the same as an electric oven. 

Steam ovens 

Steam ovens are currently the fastest-growing trend in home cooking. They're touted as a new, healthier way to cook That is also easy to clean. (If you don't know why that's so important, think about the last time you said, “I love my grill, but I hate cleaning it.”)  there are also combination ovens that have a convection and steam setup. This way, you get the health benefits without losing your ability to bake. 

Dual fuel 

If you already have access to a gas line in your home, you can choose between a traditional gas range or a dual-fuel setup. This uses gas to power the stovetop and electricity for the oven. This way, you get the faster cooking speeds on the stovetop from the gas, and you get the consistency of the electricity in the oven.

Trivection

An explanation of how trivection works, courtesy of GE

Trivection ovens are something brand new on the market and are extraordinarily versatile. They cook using convection, microwaves, and thermal heat. The idea is to provide you with fast consistent heat without losing flavor or nutrients in your food. (An interesting note is that Alton Brown of Good Eats had a hand in developing it!) 

Sizing 

You have a couple of options when it comes to sizing your range. You can go with a standard oven that's going to be 30 in wide and has four burners, maybe five, maybe. Or you can start looking at the ones that are labeled pro. These start adding in additional burners or specialized types of burners to your stovetop and thus end up being wider, anywhere from 32 to 48 in is the current industry standard. It is as much about how the stove is set up as it is about the oven's dimensions. You can get an additional oven or even integrated options like a griddle or a wok burner.

Features and Functions

Cleaning 

Trying to clean your oven can be a nightmare as we've discussed before. Caked on burnt food and grease build up? No thank you. But, some manufacturers are beginning to add cleaning options that aren't burning the inside of the oven to ash. Things like steam functions are beginning to be added as a feature. Others are looking at how to build the oven from the ground up to make it easier to clean. For this you want to look out ranges with ceramic glass surfaces and being built from a single piece on the inside. Simple knob designs and handles mean fewer places for your food to collect and add to how difficult or easy cleaning ends up being.

Steam oven with multiple trays for cooking and baking, courtesy of Thermador.

Control Locations

This is one that takes a lot to account for. A good way to look at it is who needs to use your range and who doesn't? Do you have a wheelchair-bound family member? Then knobs that are located at the front of the range would be more useful. On the other hand, do you have a child who's learning to walk? Then, you might want controls located on the back splash instead. (Do you have cats that climb on your counters? Then, sadly, neither of these will keep them out of trouble; instead, we advise putting toddler locks on.)

 Glass Doors 

It sounds crazy, but having a glass door on your range can and does save you money, time, and food.

Money - if you can see your food bubbling away, you don't need to open the door to check whether it's done. Your oven also doesn't have to reheat the oven which saves you money on your utilities bill. 

Time - If the oven stays at the same temperature the whole time, your results are more consistent. If the oven doesn't have to reheat itself after the door is opened, then there isn't a drop in temperature, which means your food finishes when you expect it to.

Food - You're less likely to burn your food if you can easily see it through the door.

Dual Oven

How many times have you had to stage a family meal as meticulously as a general? “ This and this cook at the same temperature, so they get to go in at the same time. And then this one can reheat at that temperature so it can go in in the second wave.” With the second oven, that becomes less of a concern. * You can cook a roast in the top oven and the sides in the bottom oven at completely different temperatures. This even has an additional benefit for your utility bill and kitchen during the summer. If you're cooking something small, you can just use this smaller oven and not have to heat the larger one. Doing that also keeps your kitchen cooler in summer. And living in Texas, that one is always useful. 

Timer and Delayed Start Functions

Imagine this. You're baking cupcakes, and you walk away after you pop them in the oven. You've got 20 minutes, and you want to do something else. You're on the other side of the house and don't hear the timer go off. But because you have a timer feature, your oven shuts off instead of turning your cupcakes into carbon discs.

A delayed start feature is equally useful. You might have a sheet pan prepped and in the oven, but you don't need it to start yet. It's not a problem to set up a delayed start and go off to do something else, knowing your food will be ready when you are.

Budgeting: Now and Later 

Are Those Features Really Needed?

Before you purchase, look at the features you want and need. Many ranges come with more settings than in the past that you may not even use. So it might be better to choose a different range that you will get full use from. The same thing goes with features that you have no interest in. It might be a great deal or look nice, but is it worth the price if you never use it to its full capability?

Reliability and Manufacturer Support 

Before signing on the dotted line, consider who is in your area and what support will you get from the manufacturer. While appliance rescue service can and will service every brand of oven You also want to look at how difficult it is to get help from the manufacturer.

Think of a manufacturer warranty as an indicator from the company of how good that appliance is. The better and longer your warranty, the more comprehensive it is, the better the range. A manufacturer wouldn't offer to pay for repairs if they thought they would be doing it all the time.

Temperature Maintenance Equals Energy Efficiency

A final note to ensure you look at is how well the oven maintains temperature. Mainline brands can have as much as a 50° variation from the temperature you set. So that might mean that you set your oven to 350°, but really, it might be somewhere between 300 and 400 depending on whether it skews lower or higher. On the other hand, brands like Dacor and Wolf are known for staying within a five-degree range. And this variation is going to have an effect on both your food and your utility bills. It's not the end of the world, so to speak. After all, the oven still works, but what matters is knowing that it is happening. 

Selecting the ideal kitchen range extends beyond mere functionality; it's about crafting a space where culinary dreams flourish. As you contemplate features, sizing, and energy efficiency, envision your kitchen as a canvas where flavors mingle and memories are born. With the right range as your culinary ally, embark on a gastronomic adventure where every meal tells a story of innovation and delight.

Whether you're pondering the perfect oven for your culinary haven or facing appliance woes, remember that Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. From oven installations to troubleshooting mysterious burning smells, our team is dedicated to keeping your kitchen running smoothly. Don't let a malfunctioning appliance dampen your culinary adventures—reach out to us today at (214) 599-0055 or visit our website to schedule your appointment. At Appliance Rescue Service, serving Allen and beyond, we're committed to bringing comfort and convenience back to your kitchen.

* We won't say completely as it depends on how large your meals are.

Additional Reading

Oven Deep Dive

The Truth About Self Cleaning Ovens

Why The Media Wants You To Be Scared Of Your Gas Stove